We are 5 months in with our new board and have been learning so much! First, we want to thank our conference committee on a wonderful Fall Conference. The sessions provided were valuable to school nurses at all experience levels. Secondly, we welcome Cap O’Rourke our new legislative lobbyist for SNOM. Jan Alswager is retiring and staying on to consult during this legislative session. Cap has been making great connections at the state on behalf SNOM and we are excited for his expertise and guidance as SNOM continues to address health equity for our students. Similar to NASN’s priorities at the national level, SNOM is advocating for 3 priorities: Permanent LSN position at MDE, workforce pipeline/”Grow your Own” program for unlicensed health personnel to obtain their LSN, and student access for a full time nurse in all schools. Our legislative committee has been hard at work to ensure we are connecting with the right people and sharing pertinent information.
SNOM has also been working collaboratively with our school nurse partners at MDE, MDH, and ECSU to develop tools, professional development, and communication for school nurses around the state. SNOM is also advocating and educating about the role of the school nurse to our decision makers like school board members and legislative representatives. Please join us on February 1 and 8 for professional development on the legislative process and what it means for school nurses.
We were able to develop our SNOM Strategic Plan for the next 3 years, and will be working on implementing the plan into short and long term goals on behalf of the professional organization and school nurses. Our big goals are 1) Enhancing membership in SNOM and promote the leadership skills of SNOM members and 2) Advocate for school health services and collection of statewide data connected to school health. We are committed to these goals, and are looking for SNOM members who would like to join us in taking a leadership role in our committee work. We welcome everyone to take an active role in our professional organization!
